Shimkus, Davis to host human trafficking summit in Edwardsville
EDWARDSVILLE – U.S. Reps. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, and Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, today announced that they will be hosting a summit on human trafficking on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The event will be from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Monday, July 14, at Birger Hall.
“Human trafficking, which is a form of modern-day slavery, involves the sex trade as well as forced labor with little or no pay,” said Shimkus. “We hope this summit provides information to local officials who might come in contact with victims.”
“Human trafficking is a $9 billion a year industry that affects more than 20 million victims, primarily young women and girls, around the world,” said Davis. “As a member of the Congressional Human Trafficking Task Force, I am working to raise awareness to this issue and offer concrete solutions to put an end to this abhorrent practice in America. So I’m pleased be able to host this summit to give area residents the opportunity to speak directly with and learn from experts on this important issue.”
The Human Trafficking Summit will help to shine a light on human trafficking in this area and the rest of the state. It will feature four guest speakers to lead the discussion on the issue and participate in a conversation about working together to expose and end human trafficking.
The guest speakers include Congresswoman Ann Wagner, R-Missouri, sponsor of the SAVE Act; Dr. Erin Heil, assistant professor of Criminal Justice Studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; and Deidre Lhamon and Lindsey Ellis from The Covering House, a place of refuge and restoration for girls who have experienced sexual trafficking or exploitation.
To RSVP or to receive more information about the event, contact Deb Detmers at Deb.Detmers@mail.house.gov or (618) 288-7190.
